The “Human Shields” Defense of Bombing Gaza’s Civilians Is Morally Bankrupt
Apologists for Israel’s bombing spree of schools and hospitals in Gaza say Hamas is using the civilians there as “human shields.” But that justification makes no sense even if we accept the premise — in a hostage situation, you don’t just kill the hostage.
Palestinians inspect the damage following an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on November 20, 2023. (Said Khatib / AFP via Getty Images)
Progressive commentator Ana Kasparian recently appeared on the popular right-wing podcast PBD. The interview ranged over several subjects, but her most intense debate with the two hosts was about Israel’s assault on Gaza.
Kasparian expressed horror at the civilian death toll, which she compared to historical atrocities like the Armenian genocide during and after World War I. In response, one of the hosts accused her of falling for a liberal “media narrative.” The Israeli military didn’t want to kill civilians, he told her. The problem is that Hamas uses civilians as “human shields.”
In response, Kasparian asked him if he had any kids. When he said no, she switched examples:
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